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Saturday, October 29, 2011

I love everything about this store (except the price tags) and on days that I have a little free time, I love driving over to the mall and walking through the store, just to see what they have, and what unique decor designs they have in every month. Even though I don't actually shop there too often, I try to save up and buy something every once in a while. But even more valuable than the cute jewelry and beautiful clothes are the IDEAS... oh the ideas. I've told Andrew that someday when we have a house, we're going to make it Anthro-esque. There is something so homey, yet elegant about the way they set up all their displays, and the assortment of colors and patterns just make my heart sigh with happiness. It is very inspiring.

When my sister Jenn was here two weeks ago, we decided to head over to Anthropologie so she could get one of their mugs. I had my handy iPhone with me, so I took some pictures of the displays. I'm thinking of making an archive for ideas for that future house. So without further ado, here is some eye candy from this month:

I love the DIY magazine/ book "rack" on the left

I think Andrew could make this coffee table for me!

DIY kitchen shelves with fun wallpaper!

We could never do this in CA due to the possibility of death by decorations in an earthquake, but I love the look anyway

The cabinet on the right would make a lovely addition to a bathroom

Bath products in wine bottles... so beautiful, and great gift ideas!

Gorgeous room. The dusty purple and the vintage mirror collage is fabulous. I also love that green blown glass lamp.

I love the colorful bowls. My dream is to have a completely eclectic dish collection someday

Old mirrors are awesome

Again, I'm pretty sure I could have Andrew make a coffee table like this. And I really like the setup of the books and plant

This cabinet is my favorite piece in my local store. I go and drool over it every time I'm there. I want one!

Check out the lights on the left... awesome DIY project!

Happy sisters hanging out together

Um, yes please.

Ah the colors! Pretty colors!

Judging by all the cabinetry I want in my house, I'm going to need 3 kitchens.

They had this half dome thingie over the "living room" section... it looked really cool!

I think this would be such a fun way to display your own jewelry... just substitute your own photos in there!

So there you have it... the first chapter of my Anthropologie someday-I-want-my-house-to-look-like-this archives.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

It finally feels like Fall outside! I am just loving this cool weather, and think that it warrants another recipe post. I actually made these muffins a few weeks ago, but have been so busy with family in town (yay!) and modeling for Lukas and Suzy Van Dyke's workshop (yay again!) amongst other things, that I'm just now getting to put this up.

This recipe was inspired by Starbuck's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, which I look forward to every year. Here's what you'll need:

Friday, October 7, 2011

Head over heels. That's the phrase that runs through my head as I think back over Cat and Lalo's wedding day, and look through their photographs. These two love big and vibrantly, and you can just feel it when you're around them for any length of time. And you can see it... in the way that Lalo's face lights up when he looks at Cat... and in the way Cat throws her head back in laughter and has this big smile on her face when she is with Lalo. It was such a joy to shoot this wedding, to see Cat and Lalo surrounded by family and friends who love them so dearly, and to witness another example of God's faithfulness in bringing these two together.

The day started off at the Embassy Suites in Glendale, where Cat was getting ready with her bridesmaids. She had booked one of the suites, so all the girls where there together, chatting, sipping mimosas, and getting their hair and makeup done. The suite had this really cool window in one of the rooms, it was perfect for getting the dress shots.

Lisa Martin, from Violet Opus {www.violetopus.com} brought the flowers shortly after I arrived. They were simply beautiful! And check out the green wicker basket she brought the flowers in... so creative, and cute too!

Some of my favorite shots of the day are Cat's bridal portraits. This girl is gorgeous! Her dark hair and eyes just pop in photographs.

After her portraits, we packed up and drive to First United Methodist Church in North Hollywood. This venue is so pretty! There is a courtyard in the middle of the church with a fountain and blooming trees, and the sanctuary has these amazing stained glass windows. Breathtaking!

When we got Cat safely hidden in the bridal room, I went to get Lalo to do some groom's portraits before the couple's first look. I asked him how he was doing, and he laughed a little and said he was anxious to see Cat. So I snapped a few photos of him, then went to go bring out his bride.

Before the ceremony started, I was able to get the groom/smen pictures, as well as some detail shots of Cat and Lalo's programs.

How cute are these? They were strung up all over a mini tree with branches on a table in the foyer. So unique!

After the ceremony, we went to Pasadena City Hall to get a few pictures with the bridal party and newly wed Mr. and Mrs. Zúñiga before going to Noor Restaurant in Pasadena for the reception.

Noor Restaurant was such a great place to have the reception. Each table was beautifully decorated, and the food was amazing.

I loved the wedding favors... from the Taverdi family, bottles of olive oil from olives handpicked and pressed by the family, and from the Zúñigas, bottles of homemade chili sauce that is the family's own recipe.

Cat and Lalo both have very large and vivacious families. When the bridal party was announced, all the family gathered around the bride and groom clapping and waving hip scarves and partaking in a middle eastern dance out on the floor. It was awesome!

There was much dancing, laughter, cheers, good food, and dancing, and dancing, and dancing for the rest of the evening.

Cat and Lalo, you two are such a wonderful couple! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wedding day.